"I might as well have sought to stay the course of Guaihiro in the eagle-race this afternoon," replied Arafrantz. "Once Réginard sets his mind (or what he has of one) on an amorous adventure, not the long wisdom of Bilbon himself could dissuade him."
Just then, a domestic arrived and announced "a Hobbite clad in Orc-gear handed me a letter from the Viscount de Pérégrin to the Baron d'Imrahil."
Arafrantz seized the letter and read:
"Dear friend,
As soon as you receive this, oblige me by taking from my portefeuille the letter of credit. Run to Dorthonia's house and take four thousand certar and give them to the porter.
PS.I believe now to lottalorian vanditti.
Your friend,
REGINARD DE PEREGRIN"
This note was underwritten in a foreign hand:
"Se alle sei della mattina le Quattro mille certar non sono nelle mie mani, alla sette il conte Reginardo avrà cessato di vivere. Et earello endorenna utúlien.
LUIGI VANYA."
